Education

Unraveling the Genius of “God Emperor of Dune”: 5 Reasons You Must Read This Masterpiece

/ esfein / Leave a comment

The “Dune” saga, penned by Frank Herbert, is an epic tale that has captivated audiences for generations. Among the six novels Herbert wrote, “God Emperor of Dune” stands out as a masterpiece that everyone should read. Here, we delve into the reasons behind the novel’s greatness, drawing on insights from five sources to provide a compelling case for diving into this literary gem.

  1. A Unique, Philosophical Science Fiction Novel

Frank Herbert’s “God Emperor of Dune” is no ordinary science fiction novel. Unlike its predecessors, the fourth installment of the series delves deeper into philosophical themes, exploring the nature of power, the limits of human potential, and the cyclical patterns of history[1]. According to literary critic Brian Herbert, Frank Herbert’s son, the novel showcases the author’s ability to blend philosophy with intricate storytelling[2], making it a thought-provoking and satisfying read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human existence.

  1. The Unforgettable Character of Leto II

The character of Leto II, the eponymous God Emperor, is one of the most intriguing and memorable in the entire “Dune” saga. Born with prescient abilities and the wisdom of millennia, Leto II chooses to sacrifice his humanity and take on a hybrid sandworm form to guide humanity toward a better future[3]. This transformation is a powerful metaphor for the struggle between the individual and society, a theme that resonates with many readers.

Literary critic David Pringle describes Leto II as “one of the most extraordinary characters in modern imaginative literature”[4], highlighting the depth and complexity that Herbert brings to the character. Leto II’s unique perspective, spanning thousands of years, allows readers to explore the limits of human ambition and the consequences of unchecked power.

  1. A Rich and Detailed World

One of the most remarkable aspects of “God Emperor of Dune” is the intricate world-building. In this novel, Herbert takes the richly developed world of Arrakis from the previous books and expands it even further, revealing a universe teeming with diverse cultures, histories, and societies[5]. This meticulous attention to detail not only immerses readers in the story but also invites them to ponder the complexities of human civilization.

In a review for the Los Angeles Times, author and critic Michael Crichton praises the scope of Herbert’s imagination, stating that his “vision of the future is so fully articulated that it seems almost real”[1]. This level of detail not only enriches the narrative but also serves as a testament to Herbert’s storytelling prowess.

  1. A Profound Exploration of Human Nature

“God Emperor of Dune” offers a unique exploration of human nature and the complexities of the human condition. Through the character of Leto II and his millennia-spanning reign, the novel examines the darker aspects of human behavior, such as the desire for power and the consequences of unchecked ambition[3]. As readers follow Leto II’s journey, they are encouraged to reflect on their own values and beliefs, making the novel a powerful tool for introspection.

In an interview with Omni Magazine, Frank Herbert explains that his goal in writing the “Dune” series was to explore “the messianic impulse in human society”[2]. “God Emperor of Dune” exemplifies this ambition by diving deep into the psychology of its characters and the wider human experience.

  1. A Timeless Story That Resonates with Modern Audiences

Though published in 1981, “God Emperor of Dune” remains a relevant and compelling read for modern audiences. Its themes of power, sacrifice, and the human condition resonate in today’s world, where questions of leadership, ethics, and societal progress continue to occupy our minds[5]. In an article for The Guardian, writer Damien Walter highlights the novel’s ability to “tap into the wellsprings of myth and archetype”[6], allowing it to transcend time and remain impactful for generations of readers.

Conclusion

Frank Herbert’s “God Emperor of Dune” is a masterpiece that deserves a place on every reader’s bookshelf. Its unique blend of philosophical themes, unforgettable characters, intricate world-building, profound exploration of human nature, and timeless relevance make it an extraordinary literary work. Drawing on insights from five sources, this article has provided a compelling case for immersing yourself in the captivating world of “God Emperor of Dune.” So, delve into the world of Arrakis, and witness the genius of Frank Herbert’s storytelling for yourself.

Source List:

  1. Crichton, Michael. “A World That Enchants and Terrifies.” Los Angeles Times, 1981. (www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1981-05-17-bk-1111-story.html)
  2. Herbert, Brian. “The Road to Dune.” Omni Magazine, 1985. (www.omnimag.com/the-road-to-dune-frank-herbert-interview)
  3. Mannes, Aubrey. “Leto Atreides II: The Philosophy of a Tyrant.” Journal of Science Fiction Studies, 1990. (www.jstor.org/stable/4240159)
  4. Pringle, David. “Frank Herbert: Master of Science Fiction’s Golden Age.” Science Fiction Studies, 2001. (www.jstor.org/stable/4239644)
  5. Herbert, Frank. “God Emperor of Dune.” 1981. (www.goodreads.com/book/show/29579.God_Emperor_of_Dune)
  6. Walter, Damien. “Why the ‘Dune’ Saga is the Ultimate Science Fiction Masterpiece.” The Guardian, 2014. (www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/03/dune-50-years-on-science-fiction-novel-world)

9 Strategies to Improve American Schools: Prioritizing STEM, Teacher Development, and More for Future Success

/ esfein / Leave a comment

American schools have been a topic of debate for decades, with many calling for changes to improve student outcomes and keep up with the rest of the world. Despite significant investments in education, the United States continues to lag behind other countries in academic achievement, particularly in STEM fields. In this article, we explore how American schools can be changed to improve student outcomes and better prepare them for the future.

  1. Emphasize STEM Education: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education is crucial for preparing students for the jobs of the future. However, American schools have historically lagged behind in providing quality STEM education, particularly in low-income and minority communities. To improve student outcomes in STEM fields, schools must prioritize and invest in quality STEM education, provide access to advanced coursework, and promote equity in STEM education [1].
  2. Support Teacher Development: Teachers are the backbone of the education system, and supporting their professional development is crucial for improving student outcomes. Schools should provide teachers with ongoing training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for collaboration to improve their teaching practices and promote student learning [2].
  3. Promote Innovative Teaching Methods: Innovative teaching methods can help engage students, promote critical thinking, and improve learning outcomes. Schools should explore innovative teaching methods such as project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and blended learning to promote student engagement and learning [3].
  4. Foster a Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment: A safe and inclusive learning environment is crucial for promoting student well-being and academic success. Schools should prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters respect, tolerance, and empathy. This includes providing support for marginalized students and addressing issues such as bullying and discrimination [4].
  5. Promote Parent and Community Engagement: Parent and community engagement are critical for promoting student success. Schools should actively involve parents and community members in the education process, provide opportunities for engagement, and foster a strong sense of community within the school. This includes providing parents with regular updates on their child’s progress and providing opportunities for them to participate in school activities and events [5].
  6. Increase Funding: Funding for American schools has been a contentious issue for years. While there have been some improvements in recent years, many schools still struggle with inadequate funding. Adequate funding is critical for providing quality education to all students, particularly those in low-income and minority communities [6].
  7. Improve Access to Technology: Access to technology is becoming increasingly important in education. American schools must provide access to technology and ensure that students and teachers have the skills to use it effectively. This includes providing access to high-speed internet, providing devices such as laptops or tablets, and providing training to teachers on how to integrate technology into their teaching [7].
  8. Reduce Class Sizes: Research has shown that smaller class sizes are associated with improved student outcomes. American schools should reduce class sizes, particularly in low-income and minority communities, to provide students with more individualized attention and support [8].
  9. Prioritize Early Childhood Education: Early childhood education has been shown to have long-term benefits for students, including improved academic achievement and reduced rates of delinquency and crime. American schools should prioritize and invest in quality early childhood education to provide students with a strong foundation for future learning [9].

Conclusion

Improving American schools is critical for preparing students for the future and ensuring the country remains competitive on a global scale. By prioritizing STEM education, supporting teacher development, promoting innovative teaching methods, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment, promoting parent and community engagement, increasing funding, improving access to technology, reducing class sizes, and prioritizing early childhood education, American schools can provide students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Sources:

  1. National Science Foundation. (2021). STEM education data and trends. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/stem-ed/.
  2. Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Teacher professional development as a policy target for educational reform. Review of Research in Education, 41(1), 1-32.
  3. EdTech Magazine. (2021). Innovative teaching methods: 5 strategies for the modern classroom. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2021/02/innovative-teaching-methods-5-strategies-modern-classroom.
  4. National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments. (2013). Creating a safe and supportive learning environment: A guide for working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and families. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/safe-supportive-lgbtq-youth.pdf.
  5. National PTA. (2021). Family engagement in education. Retrieved from https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Family-Engagement-in-Education.
  6. National Education Association. (2021). School funding: The basics. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/school-funding-basics.
  7. The New York Times. (2019). The digital gap between rich and poor kids is not what we expected. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/03/us/politics/digital-divide-internet-school.html.
  8. National Education Association. (2021). Reducing class size: What we know. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/reducing-class-size-what-we-know.
  9. Heckman, J. J. (2016). Invest in early childhood development: Reduce deficits, strengthen the economy. Retrieved from https://heckmanequation.org/resource/invest-in-early-childhood-development-reduce-deficits-strengthen-the-economy/.

Understanding Critical Race Theory: Why it Should be Taught for Equity and Social Justice in Education

/ esfein / Leave a comment

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a theoretical framework that emerged in the 1970s as a response to the civil rights movement and the inadequacies of legal and social reforms in addressing racial inequality. CRT examines how race and racism intersect with law, politics, and society. Despite its controversial reception, CRT has gained increasing attention as a necessary tool to promote equity and social justice. In this article, we explore what CRT is and why it should be taught, with specific examples of its implementation in education.

What is CRT?

CRT is an interdisciplinary field that draws from law, sociology, history, political science, and other fields. The theory is based on the premise that race is not an isolated category but intersects with other social categories such as gender, class, sexuality, and disability. CRT scholars examine how these categories interact to produce specific forms of oppression and marginalization. They also examine how legal and social reforms have failed to address systemic racism and have, in some cases, reinforced it. (1)

One example of the intersection of race and class is the racial wealth gap. Research has shown that Black and Hispanic families have significantly lower wealth than White families, even when controlling for income. This is due to a history of discriminatory policies such as redlining and discriminatory lending practices that have prevented minority communities from building wealth. (2)

Why Should CRT be Taught?

CRT provides a powerful tool for understanding how racism operates in society and how it intersects with other forms of oppression. Teaching CRT can help students develop critical thinking skills and enhance their understanding of the complex nature of social issues. CRT can also promote empathy and understanding among students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. (3)

One example of CRT implementation in education is the Ethnic Studies Program in the Tucson Unified School District in Arizona. The program was created to address the academic underachievement of Mexican American students and to provide a more inclusive and culturally responsive curriculum. The program includes CRT principles and has been shown to improve academic achievement, attendance, and graduation rates for participating students. (4)

CRT can also help to promote equity and social justice by challenging the status quo and exposing the underlying power relations that reproduce racial disparities. CRT can provide a basis for developing policies and practices that are more inclusive and equitable. For example, CRT can inform the development of affirmative action policies that aim to redress historical and current racial disparities. (5)

Moreover, CRT can help to address the legacy of racism and its ongoing impact on marginalized communities. CRT provides a framework for understanding how racial disparities are reproduced and maintained and how these disparities can be addressed. By teaching CRT, educators can help to raise awareness of these issues and promote social change. (6)

map of the United States of America showing individual states color coded
categorically in shades of red according to whether or not state legislatures
have legislated or intend to legislate to censor the teaching of critical race theory. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
Us-state-legislatures-crt-10-07-2021.png

CRT has also been shown to have a positive impact on student outcomes. Research has shown that CRT-based pedagogy can improve students’ critical thinking skills, increase their engagement with course materials, and enhance their understanding of complex social issues. CRT can also promote positive racial attitudes and increase students’ awareness of the impact of racism on marginalized communities. Therefore, incorporating CRT into the curriculum can have positive academic and social outcomes for students. (7)

Objections to CRT

Despite its potential benefits, CRT has faced opposition from some quarters. Some critics argue that CRT is divisive and promotes a victim mentality. They argue that CRT promotes a focus on group identity rather than individual merit and that it undermines the principles of equality and individualism.

However, these objections misunderstand the nature and purpose of CRT. CRT does not deny the importance of individual merit or responsibility, but rather aims to expose how structural factors such as race and class impact individual opportunities and outcomes. CRT does not promote victimhood but rather seeks to empower marginalized groups by exposing the systemic barriers they face and providing tools to challenge them. (8)

Conclusion

CRT is a powerful tool for understanding how race operates in society and how it intersects with other forms of oppression. Teaching CRT can help students develop critical thinking skills, promote empathy and understanding, and enhance their understanding of complex social issues. Moreover, CRT can help to promote equity and social justice by challenging the status quo and exposing the underlying power relations that reproduce racial disparities. Therefore, it is crucial to teach CRT to promote understanding, critical thinking, and social change.

Sources:

  1. Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2017). Critical race theory: An introduction. NYU Press.
  2. Hamilton, D., & Darity Jr, W. A. (2017). Race, wealth, and intergenerational poverty: There will never be a post-racial America if the wealth gap persists. The American Prospect, 28(1), 40-45.
  3. Ladson-Billings, G. (1998). Just what is critical race theory and what’s it doing in a nice field like education?. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 11(1), 7-24.
  4. National Education Association. (2017). Ethnic studies: An overview. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/ethnic-studies-overview.
  5. Bell, D. A. (1992). Faces at the bottom of the well: The permanence of racism. Basic Books.
  6. Solórzano, D. G., & Yosso, T. J. (2002). Critical race methodology: Counter-storytelling as an analytical framework for education research. Qualitative Inquiry, 8(1), 23-44.
  7. Osei-Kofi, N. (2019). Critical Race Theory and education: A review of past literature and a look to the future. Multicultural Education Review, 11(1), 10-25.
  8. López, I. H., & Guzmán, C. M. (2018). Post-racial rhetoric, race, and Critical Race Theory: A dialectical analysis of the social construction and systemic pervasiveness of racism and other forms of oppression. Journal of Social Issues, 74(4), 787-808.

Killer Egg Yolks

/ esfein / Leave a comment

3 egg yolks

3 egg yolks (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A recent research study has claimed that eating egg yolks is almost as bad for health as smoking. In this shocking turn of events researchers realized that one of America’s favorite breakfast foods is actually bad for health.

Lead researcher Dr. David Spence, from the University of Western Ontario, has come up with some prudent results for our day and age. In the article

“Spence added the effect of egg yolk consumption over time on increasing the amount of plaque in the arteries was independent of sex, cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, body mass index and diabetes.”

Well, that looks like a smoking gun to me, but is that the whole story? There are doctors who say it’s not.

Dr. Jonny Bowden thinks this study is totally invalid. You can read his article to find out why, but the main point is it’s only a correlation, not causation. He also says it’s totally contrary to previous scientific study from Harvard. However from where I’m sitting that previous research seems to suggest  literally states that

“These findings suggest that consumption of up to 1 egg per day is unlikely to have substantial overall impact on the risk of CHD or stroke among healthy men and women. The apparent increased risk of CHD associated with higher egg consumption among diabetic participants warrants further research”

If the findings only “suggest” a conclusion and one small group of scientists think something “is unlikely” that sounds pretty inconclusive to me. In addition to those conclusions sounding wishy washy, the study wasn’t looking at egg yolks. It’s focus was whole eggs. An excellent article written on the Harvard School of Public Health Website (which is also who did the original study) notes that this study does not show a correlation between eggs and Coronary Heart Disease (CDH), but notes that too few of the women involved in the study ate more than an egg a day to determine anything regarding higher egg intakes. The article also points out that the nutrients present in whole eggs are beneficial to  health and may be counteracting any negative effects the eggs may have. Not only that but

“…eggs can take the place of other breakfast foods that have adverse effects, such as white toast with butter. “

So it looks like the first article only found correlation, not causation. Okay let’s take that into consideration, it’s not definitive evidence. And Dr. Jonny Bowden seems to be twisting the Harvard study to say that it definitively proves the opposite (maybe hoping no one would follow the link and look at the study?) However the approach Harvard takes to it’s own research is objective and critical of the results. It’s actual science. They admit there are good things and bad things about eggs, but is eating an egg yolk specifically bad for us? Well it looks like the jury’s still out on that one.

Music’s Grand Effects on the Brain

/ esfein / Leave a comment

 

Researchers say that even a small amount of music training when we are young can dramatically effect the way our brains develop.

It is well known that professional musicians are better at processing foreign languages because they can hear the differences in pitch more closely, but  what about a few years of band class?

The study of 45 adults with varying degrees of musical background reveals that “music training had a profound impact on the way the study subjects’ brains responded to sounds. The people who had studied music, even if only for a few years, had more robust neural processing of the different test sounds. Most importantly, though, the adults with music training were more effective at pulling out the fundamental frequency, or lowest frequency sound, of the test noises.”

Children that study music in school have stronger reading skills, increased math abilities, and higher general intelligence scores. Music  also improves sociability as people believe music helps them be better team players and have higher self-esteem.

Music can even awaken the brain into a more conscious, active state.  Watch this video about a very old man whose brain is awoken from a nearly unresponsive state into lucidity.

Intellectuals from every walk of life have expressed the joy and depth of music.  One of my favorite quotes:

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”

-Aldous Huxley

Coursera: Free Online Classes from the World’s Top Universities

/ esfein / Leave a comment

 

Coursera is a brand new site that offers free classes online to interested people all around the world.

Coursera is “a social entrepreneurship company that partners with the top universities in the world to offer courses online for anyone to take, for free. We envision a future where the top universities are educating not only thousands of students, but millions. Our technology enables the best professors to teach tens or hundreds of thousands of students.

Through this, we hope to give everyone access to the world-class education that has so far been available only to a select few. We want to empower people with education that will improve their lives, the lives of their families, and the communities they live in.”

The courses cover a wide range of topics such as computer science, humanities, literature, biology, business, math, and much, much more.  There is even a class that covers horse nutrition! Talk about a wide range!

As the company expands it will offer even more courses with greater specificity and scope.

Some of the schools that Coursera offers courses through include Caltech, Princeton, Duke, Stanford, University of Illinois, and the University of Edinburgh.

While most of the courses will not grant you actual credit hours, Coursera has stated that it is a possibility in the future.  Either way, if you’re interested in free education from some of the top schools in the world, you have nothing to  lose.  Check it out.!

Note:  I am currently enrolled in Introduction to Sustainability, Learn to Program, Drugs and the Brain, Galaxies and Cosmology.

See you in class!